What does per capita energy consumption represent?

Per capita energy consumption represents the average energy consumed per person in a specific area, usually measured over a year. This metric is useful because it standardizes energy consumption figures, allowing for comparisons between different regions, countries, or populations regardless of their total size. By dividing the total energy consumption of a region by its population, it provides insight into how much energy, on average, each individual uses, which can help in understanding consumption patterns and planning for energy resource needs.

The other options do not accurately capture the meaning of per capita energy consumption. Total energy consumed by a country refers to the aggregate amount and does not take population into account. The idea of energy consumption evenly across all age groups misrepresents the concept, as per capita consumption is not divided by demographic categories but is rather an average across the entire population. Focusing solely on the energy consumption of industries ignores residential and other forms of energy use, which are also essential components of per capita calculations.